2023 CUSA Football Preview

There will be a new Conference USA champion in 2023.

Not because of roster turnover or the loss of a head coach, but because reigning champion UTSA is no longer in the league. As a matter of fact, the two teams that met in last year’s conference title game — UTSA and North Texas — are now members of the AAC.

There’s already been an array of teams that have been crowned CUSA champs, and plenty more that have come and gone:

With six teams leaving after the 2022 campaign (UTSA, North Texas, UAB, FAU, Rice, Charlotte), and four teams replacing them (Liberty, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, Jacksonville State), there are a ton of opportunities for a team to win its first-ever CUSA title.

Odds To Win CUSA Via BetMGM

JSU and SHSU are not eligible to win the CUSA title due to NCAA FCS-to-FBS transition rules.

CUSA Win Totals Via BetMGM

Best Players In CUSA

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Austin Reed, WKU QB — The former West Florida transfer was voted the conference’s Newcomer of the Year after passing for a league-high 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns last season while tossing just 11 interceptions. He added 224 yards and eight scores on the ground. Reed very well could have won Offensive Player of the Year if it wasn’t for UTSA’s Frank Harris, and should again light it up in the Hilltoppers’ pass-heavy offense.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER: JaQues Evans, WKU LB — As a sophomore, Evans paced the Hilltoppers’ defense with 106 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He also broke up four passes and returned a fumble for a touchdown. His play helped WKU tie for the nation’s lead in turnovers forced with 32. Evans was tabbed a First Team All-CUSA selection in 2022 and should have a repeat performance.

TOP NFL PROSPECT: Malachi Corley, WKU WR — An absolute playmaker, Corley led the FBS in yards after the catch with 982, and his 1,293 receiving yards ranked fourth in the country. Corley also hauled in 11 touchdowns on 101 receptions. The former running back can be utilized in many ways, and will rise up draft boards by next spring:

HERO Sports’ CUSA Predicted Order of Finish

1. WKU
2. Liberty
3. UTEP
4. MTSU
5. Louisiana Tech
6. New Mexico State
7. FIU
8. Jacksonville State
9. Sam Houston

CUSA Championship Prediction Pick

Western Kentucky

There’s a reason the Hilltoppers swept the nominations above. They’re undoubtedly the best team in the conference and have the luxury of hosting Liberty at home this year. With a win, this should give them the final edge when it comes to hosting the CUSA title game. 

It’s hard to argue against the Flames playing for a conference championship in their first year in the league. They have one of the easiest schedules in the country and should cruise to a nine- or maybe even a 10-win season. Even with first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell and a lack of returning production, Liberty will immediately become one of the top contenders. 

Against the Hilltoppers, however, Reed and Co. will have no issues against Liberty’s defense. The senior QB and Corley are one of the best duos in all of college football. Matched with five other returning starters, it will be difficult to contain this offense, especially when the lights are the brightest and the two will be on NFL scouts’ radars. 

UTEP and MTSU are sneaky good teams that could fight with Liberty for that spot in the title game. The Miners will be a much-improved squad and are returning 15 starters while the Blue Raiders boast the best defense in the conference.

But I don’t see any of these teams defeating WKU for a conference championship. WKU should go undefeated in league play and will be tested early in the non-conference against Ohio State and Troy, which will only be beneficial in the long run. 

The Hilltoppers will capture their third CUSA title in 2023.